Correlation between the Degree of Forward Head Posture and Hamstring Muscles Tightness in Non-Specific Neck Pain

Abstract

Introduction: Anterior translation, also recognized as Forward Head Posture (FHP), is a pathology that happens when the head moves  forward from the vertical line of gravity. FHP can cause significant problems, such as fascial stretching at the lower cervical level,  shortening of the upper cervical segment, hamstring tightness, and back fascial limitation at the hamstring and calf muscles levels.

Aim of this study: This study aimed to determine the correlation between forward head posture and hamstring, calf muscles tightness.

Methods: The study involved 84 university students of both sexes, with a mean age of 21.96 ± 2.25 years for males and a mean age of  22.05 ± 2 years for females, and a mean BMI of 22.32 ± 1.68 kg/m² for males and a mean of 22 ± 1.7 kg/m² for females. The sample size  included only those with a craniovertebral angle (CVA) measurement of less than 490 , which was determined using the photogrammetry  method. The study was conducted to establish the degree of correlation among FHP and hamstring-calf muscles by using the active knee  extension test (AKE test), as well as the passive straight leg raise test (PSLR) for hamstring muscles tightness using the ankle dorsiflexion  with the knee extended (ADFKE), in addition to ankle dorsiflexion with the knee flexed (ADFKF) for calf muscles tightness.

Results: There  was a weak significant direct correlation (r=0.300, p=0.034) between CVA and right hamstring tightness as measured by PSLR in males  with a normal BMI.

Conclusion: Forward head posture (FHP) weakly correlates with hamstring tightness in males with normal BMI,  therefore treatment program should include hamstring muscles stretching.